Itinerary

Day 1 (D) MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN & CANYON FLIGHT
This is the first day listed for your trip.

Your journey north from your home will be a refreshing departure. You will fly over the largest expanse of wilderness in the world with stunning views (on cloudless days), pass through quieter and friendlier airports, meet friendlier and less harried service personnel and generally begin to immerse yourself in the wilderness experience that is about to unfold.

Your Trip leader will meet you at the airport (if you arrive the day prior, please make your way to your accommodation).

Once everyone has arrived there will be a chance for last minute questions concerning clothing, gear, packing and other details. Those requiring our river bags will have time to transfer gear from their own bags. You can leave unrequired items at our base/warehouse.

After loading our supplies and gear into the aircraft we begin one of the major highlights of the adventure - the upriver flight. Flying over the majestic Nahanni Range and Ram Plateau, a visually stunning panorama unfolds in front of our eyes. You want to be sure to have your camera on your lap with lots of film! Past participants have stepped off the plane declaring that “if the trip finished now, I would have my moneys worth!”

Following supper in camp at Virginia Falls, your guides will provide further briefing with the techniques for living comfortably along the river. A last look at the stunning scenery before bed will remind you that you are in one of the most scenic places on the planet!

Please note – Under certain conditions (weather, forest fire, plane availability and upriver conditions), it may be necessary to make our upriver flight soon after arrival. On the other hand, we have occasionally found ourselves waiting for safe flying conditions. In any event, we will have supper and find our selves camped in Ft. Simpson or on the shores of the Nahanni.

If we are required to overnight in Fort Simpson you are welcome to camp or take a hotel room (at your own cost).

Day 2 (B/L/D) VIRGINIA FALLS
We will make the final portage around the falls. The trail is downhill and well defined. You need carry only what is comfortable for you. Everyone pitches in to carry what they can and we take as long as we need to complete the task. It is impossible to spend too much time at Virginia Falls! We will assemble the boats and, after a late shore lunch and briefing, we will embark in the late afternoon, on an exhilarating run through Painted Canyon, also known as Fourth Canyon. The final challenge for the day will be Figure 8 Rapids (Hell’s Gate). Camp is finally made for the evening below Wrigley Creek.

Day 3 (B/L/D) CANYONS AND CHASMS
We drift past the confluence of the Flat River and enter Third Canyon, the walls of which loom 1200 m above the river. We camp halfway through this canyon near The Gate.

Day 4 (B/L/D) DEADMEN VALLEY
Paddling through the Big Bend and Second Canyon and past Headless Creek we will find our selves camped in the vicinity of Deadmen Valley. The view includes the Tlogotsho Plateau and Prairie Creek Canyon. It was here, on the shores of Headless Creek, that the bodies of the Mcleod brothers were found in 1905 and the legend of the Headless Valley was born. Downriver at Sheaf Creek, R. M. Patterson and his partner, Gordon Mathews, wintered over in 1928. Patterson later wrote Dangerous River, one of the most eloquent accounts of the early days on the river. Around the campfire, we will read from his book.

Day 5 (B/L/D) CANYON KINGDOM CANYON KINGDOM
We start the day by challenging the big waves of George’s Riffle and enter First Canyon, the deepest of all the canyons. Camp will be made at Lafferty’s Riffle.

Day 6 (B/L/D) KRAUS' HOT SPRINGS
After the waves of Lafferty’s Riffle, we take a quick dip in Kraus’ Hotsprings before bidding farewell to the canyons and entering the braided channels of The Splits. Here a broad valley is revealed and the surrounding mountains, ridge piled upon ridge, form a dramatic contrast to the enclosure of the canyons. Lush boreal forest bordered by steep ridges form a “story book” setting.

Day 7 (B/L) THE GREAT DENE WALL, VILLAGE OF NAHANNI BUTTE AND LIARD RIVER FLIGHT.
Stopping in the village we will have an opportunity to see this traditional community. Here we board a charter plane for our flight down the Liard valley back to Fort Simpson. You will need to book accommodation for this final night in Fort Simpson. The group can meet for dinner at the Sub-Arctic Cafe for a final farewell meal and good-bye to your guides (accommodation and meal not included).

Day 8 HOMEWARD BOUND
After a relaxing morning and time to look around the Village of Fort Simpson, you will board your homeward plane with a load of fond memories and a relaxed and renewed spirit!

More information from Canadian River Expeditions and Nahanni River Adventures:

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